Preamp Deal of the Century


If anyone is looking for a true "World Class" preamp at a very fair price..heed my advice. I just recieved a Supratek Syrah preamp that was hand built by Mick Maloney in Western Australia, and it is absolutely beautiful! This preamp is the best deal you will ever find. I would put it up against any preamp out there for both looks and sound. Price? $2500 for the Syrah (includes Killer Phono stage). Not into phono? Try the Chardonney line stage for $2100. Don't get me wrong, I am not associated with this company. I am just a very happy owner! This preamp is VERY dynamic, yet liquid. It conveys the sound of music better than any other preamp that I have ever heard! You can check out the Supratek website at www. cantech.net.au
slowhand
thank you, Tubegroover. this is a very insightful and good
review. you can read my mind? I am looking for a good tube preamp for my symphonic Line poweramp, and dear fellow greg here suggests me that CAT match SL very well, and i just wonder will supratek match with my SL? thank you for your considerate.

Jeff SS, I also have a Spacedeck and just ordered up a Shelter 501. I will be glad to let you know my impressions as soon as I get the cartridge, which will be paired with an Origin Live Silver arm. I am confident it will be a great match.

Good review, Tubegroover. I think that about sums it up. Believe it or not, the Syrah WILL get better as it breaks in, especially once you settle on your particular "flavor" in tubes.

I continue to be amazed and delighted by the difference it has made in my system.
Yes Tim, I would expect the Supratek will match up very well. It has plenty of gain that is also adjustable, very flexible and great fit and finish. At this level of performance both the CAT and Supratek are excellent pre-amps. I don't think you could make a bad choice with either. The differences may be more a matter of price, how much you are willing to pay and taste. The title of this thread is most appropriate.
Yes Walter, I have no doubt about how good this pre-amp will get. And now for my search for the right tubes to get there.
There has been some comments questioning the ability of a balanced SET configuration. I have one by Mick and this is how he refers to his implementation.

"Of course, strictly speaking, when you use the balanced outputs, it isn't SE, but it is the purest form of balancing you can get- it's often called SEPP (Single Ended Push Pull) although the use of the term push pull isn't
quite correct."